Dogwood

Cornus sanguinea — Cornaceae

Italiano: Sanguinello — Sanguinello

Description

Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) belongs to the Cornaceae family and is native to Europe. It thrives in Hedgerows, Woodland edges, Scrub environments across regions including Italy, France, Germany, Balkans. Botanically, Dogwood is berries edible but astringent. Flowers minor. Bark traditional. Hedge plant.. It is also known locally as Sanguinello. The edible parts include Berries, Flowers. With an edibility rating of 4/10, it ranks as a moderate wild food source. Harvesting is best done during October and September. Nutritionally, Dogwood stands out for its Vitamin C (15.0mg, 17% DV), Magnesium (12.0mg, 3% DV) and Potassium (120.0mg, 3% DV). It also provides 1.2g protein and 2.5g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Dogwood offers a Astringent mild flavor profile. Berries jam flowers garnish. Common culinary applications include berry jam, flower garnish. Popular preparations include Dogwood berry jam, Fresh berry compote, Wild berry jam, Berry syrup for pancakes. For storage, fresh 3d. Safety note: Slight laxative raw berries. Antinutrient content is tannins berries bark. Safe lookalike species include Cornus mas similar. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Hedgerows, Woodland edges, Scrub across Italy, France, Germany, Balkans.

🍳 Recipe: Dogwood berry jam

Preparation method: Berries jam flowers garnish
Flavor profile: Astringent mild
Edible parts: Berries, Flowers

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Sep, Oct.
Lookalike (safe): Cornus mas similar
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): No poisonous
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

4/10
Toxicity: Slight laxative raw berries
Antinutrients: Tannins berries bark
Safe lookalikes: Cornus mas similar
Dangerous: No poisonous

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Berries, Flowers
Preparation: Berries jam flowers garnish
Flavor: Astringent mild

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 1.2g
Fat: 0.2g
Fiber: 2.5g
Vitamin C: 15.0mg (16%DV)
Vitamin A: 10mcg (1%DV)
Vitamin E: 0.2mg (1%DV)
Vitamin K: 5.0mcg (4%DV)
Folate (B9): 8mcg (2%DV)
Calcium: 10.0mg (0%DV)
Iron: 0.3mg (1%DV)
Magnesium: 12mg (2%DV)
Potassium: 120mg (2%DV)
Zinc: 0.2mg (1%DV)

Culinary Uses: berry jam, flower garnish Storage: Fresh 3d

Recipes

  • Dogwood berry jam
  • Fresh berry compote
  • Wild berry jam
  • Berry syrup for pancakes
  • Wild winter pesto made from Dogwood
  • Traditional Dogwood soup
  • Dogwood and potato frittata

Where It Grows

Continent: Europe
Regions: Italy, France, Germany, Balkans
Habitat: Hedgerows, Woodland edges, Scrub
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Related Plants

🌿 Black Locust🌿 Blackberry🌿 Blackthorn

Sources & References

Kew Plants of the World USDA PLANTS Wikipedia (EN)